A gravel road to the top of Pas du Tanarel in the Ligurian Alps
France, europe
30 km
2,042 m
hard
Year-round
# Tanarello Pass: A Wild Alpine Adventure
Perched at 2,042m (6,699ft) along the dramatic French-Italian border, Tanarello Pass is where serious adventurers come to test their mettle. Straddling the Alpes-Maritimes in France and Cuneo in Italy's Piedmont region, this crossing isn't for the faint of heart.
Here's the thing—there's no pavement here. The entire route follows the Via del Sale, an ancient medieval trade route that once carried precious salt from Ventimiglia through to Limone Piemonte and beyond. Today, that 30km (18.64-mile) stretch between Limone Piemonte and Monesi di Triora is pure, unfiltered gravel and dirt.
While sections have received some TLC over the years, this is still a rough, demanding track that demands respect. You'll encounter chunky gravel, nasty potholes, and patchy asphalt remnants that actually make things trickier rather than easier. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—you'll need a serious off-road vehicle with decent ground clearance and genuine confidence navigating brutal terrain.
The real wildcard? Landslides are a constant threat here, sometimes rendering the entire pass impassable. Mother Nature calls the shots on this one. If you're the type who gets genuinely excited about genuine backcountry exploration and your vehicle can handle genuine punishment, Tanarello Pass delivers an authentic Alpine experience that most road-trippers will never experience. Just go in with eyes wide open and full respect for the mountain.
Where is it?
A gravel road to the top of Pas du Tanarel in the Ligurian Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.4122, 1.4563
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,042 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.4122, 1.4563
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving to Puerto de Valdelinares: The Highest Town in Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Valdelinares: Spain's Alpine Challenge Craving a high-altitude adventure? Head to Puerto de Valdelinares in Teruel, where this mountain pass sits pretty at 1,837m (6,026ft) above sea level in Spain's Aragón region. It's part of the charming Valdelinares—claim to fame: Spain's highest town on the peninsula! The 25.3 km (15.72 miles) route runs north-south between Allepuz and Linares de Mora, cutting through the stunning Sierra de Gúdar range. It's fully paved (though the pavement has definitely seen better days), and you'll encounter narrow sections, steep climbs, and those hairpin curves that'll keep you on your toes. The road is officially called TE-V-3, and it's legit enough to have been featured in the Spanish Vuelta cycling race. The scenery is absolutely worth it, but come prepared: while the pass typically stays open year-round, winter can throw curveballs with sudden closures thanks to gnarly weather conditions. Plan accordingly, and you've got yourself an epic drive through some seriously beautiful mountain terrain.
extremeWhere is Pico Mirandiella located?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Spain, right on the border of Teverga and Somiedo, in the Asturias region. You're about to tackle Pico Mirandiella. Locals whisper that this climb is "simply brutal," and, trust me, they're not kidding. We're talking about a spot nestled within the Cantabrian Mountains, inside the protected Somiedo Natural Park. You'll be towering above the famous Puerto de San Lorenzo, a cycling hotspot. Alright, the road itself... well, "road" might be a generous term. It's a short, sharp 1.9 km kick in the teeth from Puerto de San Lorenzo. Don't let the distance fool you; you’re gaining some serious elevation. We are talking a crazy steep incline. Word to the wise: unless you’re a park ranger, a farmer, or there to fix the communication tower up top, access is restricted. And even if you *are* authorized, you're going to need a serious 4x4 for this beast. Most of the track is rocky and unpaved, though you might find some concrete. It's a rough and raw ride. Why bother? The views, my friend, the VIEWS. A full 360-degree panorama of the Cantabrian Mountains and the deep valleys of Somiedo will reward you. Heads up, this climb is not for the faint of heart. Winter brings deep snow, so aim for late spring to early fall. And always, ALWAYS check the weather. This mountain plays by its own rules.
hardLac de Mauvoisin
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Lac de Mauvoisin is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 1.961m (6,433ft) above the sea level, located in the Valais region of Switzerland. The road to the summit is asphalted in very good conditions. It was built between 1954-1958. The climb includes some steep sections and a couple of tunnels. The Mauvoisin arch dam is an impressive structure, with a height of 250 m. At the lake, a gravel road climbs up to the a high mountain hut at an elevation of 2.471m (8,106ft) above the sea level. This road is only accessible in summer for people with special communal authorization. A wild 4x4 road to Passo di San Giacomo Mittelbergpass, an awe-inspiring lonely road Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is Septimer Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Wanna feel like a Roman trader? Then head to Septimer Pass, nestled high in the Swiss Alps in Graubünden! This ancient route, also called Passo del Settimo or Pass da Sett, connects the gorgeous Bregaglia and Oberhalbstein valleys in southeast Switzerland. Once a super important Alpine crossing to Italy, its gentle slopes made it a perfect trade route. But now, it's a bit more off-the-beaten-path since a different road opened up in 1826. Starting from Sursés, the unpaved road stretches for 6.5 km (4.03 miles) to the top. Get ready for a climb – you'll gain 527 m in elevation, averaging an 8.10% gradient! Keep in mind, this isn't a drive for your car. The road is closed to private vehicles, so bikes are your best bet. And because it's high in the mountains, it's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly!